12,071 4th and 5th Graders Skied for Free This Winter with the PA Snowpass

04/11/2016

WHITE HAVEN, PA- A staggering 12,071 4th & 5th Graders from Pennsylvania and the surrounding region skied and snowboarded for free in the state of PA, thanks to the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (PSAA) 4th and 5th Grade Snowpass. This program allows kids from any state to ski and snowboard for free with a paying adult at 20 participating PA resorts. In addition, and most importantly, it offers a free learn to ski/snowboard package which includes a beginner lift ticket, lesson and rental equipment to each recipient. With over 20 ski areas that cater to beginners and experts alike, PA is where lifelong learning and growing has an unmatched focus.

According to Linda Irvin, PSAA Executive Director, “The Snowpass Program is designed to foster a child’s love of skiing or riding, as well as the great outdoors. The goal is to give kids the skills, confidence and passion for skiing or snowboarding that will last a lifetime. We were
happy to see that this year 12,071 young people were able to take advantage of this fantastic program that gives an extra free push to start their snowsports journey.”

Skiing and snowboarding offers families the opportunity to exercise outside together during the winter months. A ninety pound youth can burn between two and three hundred calories per hour skiing and/or snowboarding depending on their activity level. Skiing and snowboarding are listed among the activities included in the President’s Challenge organized by the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. Children and adults can earn points toward a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award by skiing and snowboarding. And for those who take advantage of a beginner package, the Snowpass program is designed to make it easy for parents to enjoy a day on the slopes as well, while professional instructors create a safe, fun, and educational environment.

As a complement to the Snowpass efforts, the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association also offers an affordable $49 Learn to Ski and Snowboard package of a beginner lesson, beginner lift ticket and rental equipment that is open to all ages. Irvin added, “We love to have kids start to ski and snowboard early, but it’s never too late for those of all ages.”

PSAA is also a proud and distinguished partner with the national Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, Bring a Friend and #firstdayfaces initiatives. These programs have recognized Pennsylvania resorts, skiers, and snowboarders as standouts in the field of beginner learning. For more information, visit www.LearnToSkiandSnowboard.org.

Why a 4th & 5th Grade Snowpass Program?
To introduce 4th & 5th graders to the sports of skiing and snowboarding. Also, to remind families that spending time on the mountains is a healthy and FUN family activity.

Why Fourth & Fifth Grade?
This is a great age for children to learn a new sport with ease and to excel rapidly. Through the Snowpass Program and on-mountain experience, students can see the lessons of their 4th & 5th grade science studies in action (such as water resources at work, geology structure, and the physics of lift mechanics). Also, ski resorts are a part of Pennsylvania history.

What is Included?

* One Adult Learn to Ski/Snowboard Package (for accompanying adult) at 50% off retail value
* One complimentary Child’s Learn to Ski/Snowboard Package (includes beginner lift, lesson and equipment rental)
* Three complimentary child’s day lift tickets to each of the 20 participating member resorts.

Where can a 4th or 5th grader ski for free? Any of the Pennsylvania ski resorts below.

The Snowpass program is not restricted to residents of Pennsylvania. Any fourth or fifth grade student can participate by completing a simple application and providing a report card or other document verifying they are currently in the fourth or fifth grade. Photos for students also are required. There is a nominal administration/processing fee of $30 if purchased prior to December 1st, or $35 after December 1st for the Snowpass. There are some basic rules that apply as well as some black-out dates typically around busy holidays The application can be found on the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association’s Web site at www.SkiPa.com.

For more information on the Snowpass Program or the Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association visit www.SkiPA.com or call (570) 443-0963.

About Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association
The Pennsylvania Ski Areas Association (PSAA), consisting of member ski areas statewide, is a non-profit association that was developed to promote and serve the Pennsylvania Ski Industry. PSAA works to encourage participation and enjoyment of skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and cross country skiing in Pennsylvania.